A Staycation with a Soul: Robinsons Hotels and Resorts Unlocks the True Meaning of Christmas with a Nationwide Act of Compassion

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The air is already alive with the electricity of the holidays—the scent of pine, the glitter of tinsel, and the quiet expectation of a season of togetherness. But this year, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR), the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corporation, is inviting guests to look beyond the spectacle and embrace a profound, collective purpose.

Under the unifying and stirring theme, "A Brighter Christmas Together," RHR is transforming the simple act of booking a room into a powerful movement of generosity, proving that the most luxurious stay is one that feeds the soul of the community.

The Pledge: Your Booking, Their Bright Future

For RHR, Christmas is not just a season of celebration; it is an annual tradition of giving. This year, they have woven social responsibility directly into the fabric of the guest experience. The core of this initiative is a powerful commitment: A meaningful portion of the revenue from every room booking across their entire portfolio will be donated directly to partner organizations nationwide.

This is the campaign’s dramatic centerpiece—a direct link between a family’s joy and another’s relief. By choosing Grand Summit, Summit Hotels & Resorts, Go Hotels, or Go Hotels Plus for their holiday escape, guests are making a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.

The beneficiaries represent the deepest needs within the community: the elderly, children battling cancer, orphans and abandoned children, marginalized women, persons with disabilities, tribal communities, and street children. Guests are not just enjoying special holiday room rates; they are transforming their leisure into a lifeline, ensuring that the promise of a "Brighter Christmas Together" is felt by all.

Feasts, Family, and Forging Shared Memories

The spirit of giving is matched only by RHR’s dedication to providing an unforgettable holiday experience, spanning their properties from the northern tip of Luzon to the southern reaches of Mindanao.

The Perfect Backdrop for Reunion: Knowing that the holidays are about coming together, Summit Hotels & Resorts and Grand Summit Hotel General Santos are opening their beautifully appointed event spaces, simplifying the often-stressful process of hosting large reunions. These welcoming venues allow loved ones to focus solely on the joy of connection and the creation of lasting, shared memories.

Culinary Grandeur: On the most sacred days of the season—December 24, 25, and 31—the brand’s signature Café Summit will elevate family dining traditions with extraordinary buffet spreads. Guests can indulge in a lavish selection of seasonal specialties and crowd favorites, providing the perfect festive backdrop for an unforgettable meal.

The Gift of Joy: For those seeking the perfect present, RHR has curated a selection of Christmas goodies and holiday hampers. Filled with premium treats and festive delights, these hampers are ideal for sharing the season’s flavor with family and friends.

Nationwide Impact: A Network of Compassion

RHR’s commitment to a brighter Christmas spans the entire archipelago. Whether you are seeking the breathtaking views from Summit Ridge Tagaytay, a metropolitan escape in Summit Hotel Greenhills or Magnolia, or essential, quality accommodations in key regional hubs, there is a venue for your meaningful stay.

The initiative covers:

Grand Summit Hotel (General Santos)

Summit Hotels & Resorts (Greenhills, Magnolia, Tagaytay, Naga City, Cebu City, and Tacloban City)

Go Hotels Plus (Mandaluyong, Naga, Tuguegarao, and Bacolod)

Go Hotels (Ortigas Center, Otis-Manila, Puerto Princesa, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Tacloban, Butuan, Iligan, and Lanang-Davao)

This Christmas, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts offers a profound challenge: Make your holiday stay matter. Transform a routine vacation into an act of kindness. By choosing RHR, you are not just reserving a room; you are casting a vote for compassion, ensuring a truly "Brighter Christmas Together" for all.

How to Book Your Meaningful Stay:

Room reservations can be made through the respective brand websites:

summithotels.ph

gohotels.ph

grandsummithotels.ph

From Seed Keepers to Street Vendors: How Asia's Food Guardians Are Fighting Climate Change One Meal at a Time

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

In the rice terraces of the Philippines, the spice gardens of India, and the coffee forests of Thailand, a quiet revolution is brewing—and it smells like fermented soy, heirloom grains, and hope.

When Abdul Shakoor Ehrari watches over his native livestock in Afghanistan's windswept highlands, he's not just tending animals—he's guarding centuries of ecological wisdom passed down through nomadic communities who learned to thrive in some of Earth's harshest landscapes. Thousands of miles away, in the volcanic soils of Indonesia, Gusti Ayu Komang Sri Mahayuni crouches in her garden, sorting seeds that carry the genetic memory of drought, flood, and survival.

These aren't nostalgic hobbyists or romantic traditionalists. They're the frontline warriors in humanity's most urgent battle: feeding a hungry planet without destroying it in the process.

This November, their worlds converge in Bacolod, Philippines, where over 2,000 of Asia and the Pacific's most innovative food leaders—farmers who've rejected pesticides, youth activists reimagining agriculture, Indigenous chefs reclaiming ancestral cuisines, and entrepreneurs proving sustainability can be profitable—will gather for Terra Madre Asia & Pacific from November 19-22, 2025.

The Crisis at the Table

The statistics are stark: industrial agriculture contributes up to 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Biodiversity is collapsing at unprecedented rates. Yet across Asia and the Pacific, home to 60% of the world's population, communities are cultivating solutions that challenge everything we think we know about modern food systems.

"Terra Madre Asia & Pacific is a platform where communities come together to celebrate identity, share knowledge, and collaborate on sustainable food solutions," explains Edward Mukiibi, President of Slow Food. "It embodies our collective commitment to building food systems that nourish both people and the planet."

But this isn't another talking-heads conference where distant experts pontificate about problems they've never touched. This is where soil gets under fingernails and fermentation bubbles in clay pots.

The Revolutionaries

Consider Lee Ayu, co-founder of Akha Ama Coffee in Thailand. While multinational coffee corporations squeeze farmers for cheaper beans, Lee has built a model supporting 300 Indigenous families through ethical production. Her forest-grown coffee doesn't just taste better—it preserves canopy cover, protects watersheds, and keeps traditional knowledge alive.

In Nepal, Pasang Sherpa isn't waiting for governments to solve the climate crisis. She's mobilizing youth to transform food systems from the ground up, proving that the generation inheriting this broken planet refuses to accept business as usual.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Rowena Gonnay treats every heirloom rice variety and forgotten tuber as an act of resistance. When indigenous crops vanish, they take with them generations of climate adaptation, nutritional diversity, and cultural identity. She's fighting to ensure that doesn't happen.

Four Days That Could Change Everything

The Terra Madre program reads like a manifesto for planetary survival disguised as a food festival:

Transforming Agriculture for a Sustainable Future sessions will dissect how to break free from chemical-dependent industrial farming and embrace agroecology—working with nature's intelligence rather than against it.

The Slow Food Coffee Coalition Area brings together 27 delegates from six countries to share stories "from soil to cup"—including youth-led cooperatives in Timor-Leste and innovative Indonesian producers turning waste coffee cherries into cascara tea.

Food and the Climate Crisis workshops explore how biodiversity isn't just nice to have—it's our best insurance policy against environmental collapse. When farmers plant fifty varieties instead of one, when they preserve wild relatives of domesticated crops, they're building resilience into the food supply itself.

But the most radical part? This isn't just about lectures and PowerPoints.

Learning by Tasting, Teaching by Feeding

Children will trace Indian spices from plant to plate, their hands grinding cardamom while stories unfold about trade routes and monsoons. Families will make tofu alongside Japanese artisans, feeling centuries of technique in the texture of curds separating from whey. Adults will learn ancestral fermentation methods and bamboo cooking, skills their grandparents knew but that nearly vanished in the rush toward convenience.

The show-cooking sessions transform food into storytelling. When delegates prepare "Street-Spice Duet: Pakora & Garlic Cowpea" from India or "Island Taro, Two Ways" from Vanuatu, they're not just demonstrating recipes—they're preserving cultural memory, one fritter at a time.

Collective tastings like "K-Ferments Flight: Gochujang to Ganjang" from Korea prove that biodiversity isn't an abstract concept. It's the explosion of umami on your tongue, the complex layers in properly aged soy paste, the realization that industrial food has been selling us monotony wrapped in marketing.

From morning tea ceremonies to evening bar takeovers, the Slow Drinks program features artisans and mixologists exploring sustainable beverages—because even what we drink carries environmental consequences.

Why This Matters Beyond Bacolod

Asia and the Pacific contain some of Earth's most biodiverse landscapes and richest food cultures. But they're also on the front lines of climate change—rising seas threatening island nations, changing monsoons disrupting rice cycles, warming temperatures pushing coffee cultivation to higher altitudes.

The solutions being shared at Terra Madre aren't exotic curiosities. They're templates for survival.

When Afghan nomads preserve livestock adapted to extreme conditions, they're maintaining genetic diversity that could prove crucial as climate chaos intensifies. When Indonesian women revive traditional seed exchange networks, they're creating food security that doesn't depend on corporate supply chains. When Thai Indigenous communities practice forest-grown agriculture, they're proving you can produce premium products while regenerating ecosystems.

This is what "good, clean, and fair" food actually looks like—not as a trendy marketing phrase, but as a lived reality in communities that never forgot how to work with nature instead of against it.

The Visual Story

Even Terra Madre's identity tells a deeper story. The event's visual design, created by illustrator Dan Matutina, draws inspiration from archipelagic landscapes and handcrafted clay forms—celebrating resilience, biodiversity, and the interconnections that sustain both ecosystems and cultures.

Because this movement understands something fundamental: everything is connected. The seed to the soil. The farmer to the chef. The meal to the planet. Break those connections, and entire systems collapse. Honor them, and abundance becomes possible again.

A Movement, Not Just a Meeting

Terra Madre Asia & Pacific represents something increasingly rare: genuine hope grounded in practical action. These aren't dreamers hoping someone else will fix things. They're people who've already begun building the future we desperately need—one garden, one recipe, one community at a time.

From Afghanistan's highlands to Samoa's islands, from rice fields to rainforests, these food guardians are proving that the path forward might actually lead through the wisdom we've been leaving behind.

The question isn't whether their approaches work—the delegates gathering in Bacolod are living proof they do. The question is whether the rest of us will pay attention before industrial food systems finish breaking what they've so carefully preserved.

In Bacolod this November, over 2,000 people will gather to share seeds, stories, and solutions. They'll cook, taste, teach, and learn. They'll strengthen networks spanning thousands of miles and countless cultures.

And they'll remind us that feeding the world sustainably isn't some impossible dream. It's already happening. We just need to follow their lead.

Terra Madre Asia & Pacific takes place November 19-22, 2025, in Bacolod, Philippines, bringing together delegates from over 20 countries to build food systems that are good, clean, and fair for all. For more information, visit slowfood.com.

From Soil to Sea: Philippines to Host Asia’s Largest Sustainable Gastronomy Event with Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The Philippines is about to take center stage in the global movement for food sustainability as it plays host to the first-ever Terra Madre Asia & Pacific (TMAP) — the largest sustainable gastronomy event in the region — set to unfold in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, from November 19 to 23, 2025.

For five transformative days, the Provincial Capitol Lagoon will be transformed into a living stage of biodiversity, heritage, and innovation under the theme “From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes and Traditions.” The event promises to gather 2,000 delegates from over 20 countries — farmers, fishers, indigenous leaders, chefs, academics, youth, and cultural advocates — all united by one mission: to reimagine food systems that are sustainable, just, and deeply rooted in tradition.

A Defining Moment for Asia and the Pacific

For decades, Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, Italy, has stood as one of the world’s most influential platforms on food sovereignty and biodiversity. Now, with its regional debut in Asia and the Pacific, the Philippines takes a pivotal role in shaping the global conversation.

“This is a turning point not just for Slow Food in the Philippines, but for the entire region,” said Ramon “Chin Chin” Uy Jr., Slow Food Councilor for Southeast Asia. “Terra Madre Asia & Pacific is a space where grassroots wisdom can shape policy, tradition can spark innovation, and the lived experiences of communities take their rightful place in shaping our global food future.”

Paolo Di Croce, General Director of Slow Food, emphasized the milestone’s significance: “This gathering celebrates the shared products and traditions that unite Asian and Pacific communities, while showing how food can connect people, pass on knowledge, inspire solutions, and safeguard the planet for future generations.”

Starting with Bacolod in 2025, TMAP will be held every two years, positioning the Philippines as the Slow Food Hub for Asia and the Pacific and reinforcing Negros Occidental’s title as the Organic Capital of the Philippines.

A Feast of Culture, Biodiversity, and Ideas

The event will immerse visitors in thematic spaces showcasing the diversity of Asia-Pacific food cultures:

Foodways Exhibition spotlighting four iconic staples — rice, spices, soy, and taro — that define regional identities.

Education Pavilion for children and adults, bridging biodiversity with taste education.

Slow Food Coffee Coalition tracing the bean’s journey from farm to cup.

House of Slow Food introducing visitors to the philosophy and global initiatives of Slow Food.

Public Talks and Conferences addressing climate resilience, food justice, and sustainability.

Terra Madre Kitchen and Taste Workshops with chef collaborations and guided tastings.

Slow Drinks, Market, and Street Food featuring artisanal products, heritage ingredients from the Ark of Taste, and regional delicacies like batuan, criollo cacao, artisanal muscovado sugar, and Negros’ traditional salts.

Community Kitchen, where all 61 barangays of Bacolod will share their dishes, weaving a tapestry of flavors that represents collective heritage.

A Stellar Culinary Line-up

Food lovers can expect a once-in-a-lifetime culinary showcase from an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed chefs and mixologists. The line-up includes Asia’s Best Female Chef 2023 Johanne Siy, Michelin Green Star chefs like Wes Kuo and Lordfer Lalicon, culinary icons like William Wongso, and homegrown stars like Jordy Navarra, Chele González, and Don Patrick Baldosano.

The bar scene will be equally trailblazing, with world-class mixologists such as Agung Prabowo (Hong Kong/Indonesia), Sasha Wijidessa (Singapore/Denmark), and the Philippines’ own Kalel “Liquido Maestro” Demetrio elevating local spirits and indigenous ingredients to global acclaim.

Collaboration Beyond Borders

TMAP 2025 is not just a food festival — it is a convergence of governments, institutions, and communities. It is made possible through the City Government of Bacolod, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Trade and Industry, TESDA, and congressional champions like Albee Benitez and Javi Benitez, alongside long-time Slow Food advocates like Senator Loren Legarda.

The event’s identity, designed by illustrator Dan Matutina, draws inspiration from archipelagic landscapes and handcrafted clay forms — symbolic of resilience, biodiversity, and interconnectedness.

Why It Matters

At its heart, Terra Madre Asia & Pacific is a call to action. It reminds us that food is more than sustenance — it is culture, memory, resistance, and hope. By gathering Asia-Pacific’s finest minds and hands in Bacolod, the Philippines is not just hosting an event; it is staking its claim as a leader in sustainable gastronomy.

As the world faces climate disruption, loss of biodiversity, and food insecurity, TMAP 2025 will demonstrate how from soil to sea, tradition and innovation can coexist, and how communities can reclaim their right to good, clean, and fair food.

How to Join

Delegate applications can be sent to nichole@slowfoodnegros.com, while sponsorship inquiries may be directed to frauline@slowfoodnegros.com. More details are available at terramadreasiapacific.com.

HIMBON: The Negros Trade Fair Brings Heritage and Innovation to the City

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Negros is making its way to the city with HIMBON: The 39th Negros Trade Fair, making its historic debut at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura from September 23 to 28. This event, one of the country's longest-running provincial trade fairs, is a vibrant gathering that celebrates the rich heritage, creativity, and resilience of the Negrense people. It's a must-experience event for foodies, fashionistas, and lifestyle lovers alike.

A Culinary Journey from Heritage to Modernity

Prepare for a gastronomic adventure that blends traditional Negrense flavors with modern, world-class culinary techniques. At the recent media launch, two rising Negrense chefs, Cara Davis and Luis Locsin, gave a glimpse of what's possible.

Chef Cara Davis of Halong, Makati, trained in Michelin-starred kitchens from New York to San Sebastián. She now masterfully fuses her Mexican culinary background with bold Asian flavors. Attendees can look forward to her inventive dishes, such as uni toast with foie gras and crab aligue pavé.

Chef Luis Locsin, a CIA-trained private dining star, has honed his skills in global kitchens like Jean Georges NYC and Bali. His charcuterie spread at the launch, featuring Negros blue cheese and Don Papa rum pâté, showed a perfect blend of global training and local pride.

Beyond these innovative creations, the fair is a treasure trove of artisan sweet and savory favorites. You can stock up on iconic flavors like Mumshies’ delicacies, Virgie’s home-made mango tarts, and Ereneta-Manaloto’s bottled Chorizo de Bacolod.

The Art of Handcrafted Living 

The Negros Trade Fair showcases the incredible artistry and craftsmanship that define the province. This is where heritage and modernity walk hand-in-hand.

Fashion & Accessories: Discover beautiful Handwoven Hablon and hand-smocked dresses, alongside chic pieces made from tropical fibers. These garments are perfectly complemented by striking local jewelry and artisanal accessories, proving that tradition can be stylishly reimagined for today's wardrobe.

Home & Lifestyle: Negrense artisans transform natural fibers like pandan, bamboo, and buri into elegant accents for the home. The fair offers design-forward décor and furnishings that infuse modern living spaces with timeless Negros craftsmanship.

A Celebration of Culture and Community

More than just a shopping event, HIMBON is a cultural celebration. "Himbon" itself means "to gather," and this fair is a true coming together of food, fashion, and heritage. You can sip on Don Papa rum and locally crafted wines while live acoustic music fills the air, bringing the warmth of Negros hospitality to the city.

The fair also invites you to experience Negros firsthand, with showcases of pristine beaches, heritage haciendas, and food tours that might just inspire your next adventure. As you explore, be sure to capture every moment and share your experience with #HimbonMoments.

Don't miss this opportunity to taste, shop, and celebrate the best of Negros. The 39th Negros Trade Fair is happening from September 23–28 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura.

Ten Films Illuminate the Science of Soil in the 9th Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The stage is set for the country’s most unique celebration of science and storytelling. The Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has officially unveiled the ten finalists of the 9th Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition, the Philippines’ pioneering and only science filmmaking contest.

Now on its ninth edition, Indie-Siyensya continues its mission of inspiring both emerging and seasoned filmmakers to translate complex scientific ideas into captivating narratives. This year’s theme, “Halik sa Lupa” (Kiss of the Earth), is a poetic yet urgent call to reexamine the intimate relationship between soil, life, and humanity.

From Seed to Story: 120 Entries, 10 Finalists

From a remarkable 120 entries nationwide, ten films have emerged as the official finalists—works that weave together soil science, indigenous ecological wisdom, and sustainable practices. Divided into Youth and Open Categories, these films prove that science is not confined to laboratories; it thrives in farms, forests, and even in the collective memory of communities.

Youth Category Finalists

Abo’t Ani – Directed by Eula Frances A. Macabodbod (Valencia National High School)

Lupang Hinirang – Directed by Lawrence C. Delos Santos (Labrador National High School)

Panagtubo: Ang Kwento ng Buhay na Lupa – Directed by Areli Joanna A. Asuncion (Tuguegarao City Science High School)

Punso – Directed by Maria Felicitti S. Sta. Catalina (Rizal National Science High School)

Soil Biodiversity: Buhay sa Ilalim, Bumubuhay sa Ibabaw – Directed by Bernice Shayne M. Dela Cruz (Pasig City Science High School)

Open Category Finalists

Damayan – Directed by Celine R. Murillo

Hinubog ng Lupa – Directed by Angelo Gabriel F. Cortes

Munting Yaman – Directed by Raymond B. Balagosa

Sa Duta sang Kabuhi – Directed by Steve C. Villasor

Tabi-Tabi Po – Directed by James Mark Caponpon

A Cinematic Pilgrimage Across the Nation

The finalists will premiere from October 7 to 11, 2025, at the Cinematheque Centre Bacolod, a venue that itself has been a hub for independent cinema in the Visayas. To widen accessibility, simultaneous free screenings will also run at Cinematheque Centres in Davao, Nabunturan, and Iloilo, ensuring that science cinema reaches audiences beyond Manila.

And for Filipinos everywhere, all films will be available for free streaming via JuanFlix (juanflix.com.ph) from October 12 to 31, 2025. Viewers can register on the platform not only to watch but also to vote for their favorite entry, making the competition an interactive experience where the public has a voice.

More Than Films: A Call to Protect the Ground Beneath Our Feet

The theme “Halik sa Lupa” resonates deeply at a time when the planet faces soil degradation, food insecurity, and the decline of traditional ecological knowledge. The films are expected to highlight soil biodiversity, sustainable farming, and indigenous practices—topics that remind us of the delicate balance between human survival and the earth’s natural systems.

Awaiting the Verdict

Winners of the 9th Indie-Siyensya will be revealed in November 2025, an announcement eagerly awaited by science advocates, educators, and filmmakers. But long before the awards are handed out, the real triumph lies in how these films will spark dialogue, inspire curiosity, and awaken Filipinos to the science of the very ground we walk on.

As the screenings approach, Indie-Siyensya once again proves that when art and science meet, the result is not just a film—but a movement.

FDCP x Meisner crash course empowers actors in Negros

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Actors in Bacolod City recently took part in an intensive crash course on the Meisner Acting Technique.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines organized the five-day training, through its FDCP Film School and Cinematheque Centre Negros, in collaboration with Meisner Studio Manila, The Negros Museum, and the Negros Cultural Foundation, Inc.

Headteacher Angeli Bayani facilitated the workshop with support from apprentice teachers Elora Españo and Ross Pesigan.

The program offered local talents a unique opportunity to explore the principles of modern acting through a series of dynamic lectures, hands-on exercises, and collaborative activities.

The initial two days focused on a brief history of modern acting and foundational repetition exercises.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in repetition exercises to build emotional awareness, improvisation drills to enhance spontaneity and authenticity, and scene work and pair acting to apply the techniques learned.

The workshop concluded with a final recital where participants showcased prepared scenes, followed by an awarding ceremony.

Participants shared positive feedback on their experience. Bacolodnon actor-director Kent Jerriane Caduhada said he learned three key things: understanding an actor’s objective, reacting authentically, and portraying a role with "realness".

Art educator and cultural worker Geli Tupas Arceño noted that the technique requires “so much rawness and honesty in acting.” Arceño emphasized the importance of being fully present to observe and react to a scene partner, stating, “To be able to be the most interesting person in the room, you have to be the most interested in your scene partner.”

Españo explained the core principle of the Meisner Technique, “The truth of who you are is the root of your acting.” She added that this approach leads to a more collaborative and empathetic creative process.

Nathan Jalbuena Sotto, an actor and acting coach from Iloilo, praised the sense of safety the technique provides. He contrasted it with a previous experience utilizing another method where he felt “damaged” after staying in character for weeks.

Bayani reinforced this, stressing that when actors feel safe, they feel free to explore and create.

Actors from the USLS Maskara Theatre Ensemble – Danielle Faye Magno, April Joy Baquilar Singson, and Richard Bermejo Tolosa, Jr. – expressed their gratitude for the course, noting how it deepened their connection to both their craft and each other.

Bacolod Film Festival 2024 actors, including Jing Torrecampo (“A Flower a Day” and “Laragway sa Karon”), Crystal Puying (“Glub”), and Tex Romero (“Manokan Country”), also took part in the workshop.

The event, which marked the first regional stop for the Meisner Crash Course, brought the type of professional training centered on this particular acting technique for the first time to the Visayas.

The House Hotshots: Meet the Political Scions Shaping the Future of Philippine Legislation

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a chamber often defined by tradition and seniority, a new breed of lawmakers is quietly—and confidently—making its mark. Dubbed the “House Hotshots,” five young representatives have stepped into the halls of the Batasang Pambansa not merely as heirs to political dynasties but as determined leaders bearing the weight of legacy and the promise of reform. They are Tingog Party-list Rep. Andrew Julian Romualdez, Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javi Benitez (PFP), FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe-Llamanzares, Batangas 6th District Rep. Ryan Santos Recto (Nacionalista), and Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste (Lakas).

These names, now drawing buzz both inside and outside the legislative corridors, are bound by more than youth and pedigree. They represent a pivotal generation poised between legacy and innovation, carrying the burden of illustrious surnames while carving out identities uniquely their own.

Andrew Julian Romualdez: In the Shadow of a Speaker, Stepping Into His Own Light

As the son of House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Rep. Yedda Romualdez, Andrew Julian was born into the eye of the political storm. Yet in his early days in Congress, he has shown an instinct not just for policymaking but for coalition-building. Representing Tingog Party-list, Romualdez has been a vocal supporter of grassroots development and digital modernization efforts in regional governance. Though new to national legislation, his interventions have reflected a maturity far beyond his years, echoing the savvy of his father but with a distinctly progressive voice. Many see him as the possible next linchpin of the House’s strategic power plays—but time will test if he chooses continuity or disruption.

Javi Benitez: The Actor-Politician With a Passion for Technology and the Masses

Hailing from the sugar capital of the Philippines, Rep. Javi Benitez carries the legacy of Bacolod Lone District Rep. Albee Benitez. A former actor and filmmaker turned public servant, Javi bridges the glamour of showbiz with the grit of governance. But he’s no stranger to strategy—he’s been pushing for innovation in agriculture and digital education, recognizing that the path to progress for Negros lies in modernization without alienation. His cinematic instincts serve him well in crafting a compelling narrative: one of transformation, inclusivity, and hope.

Brian Poe-Llamanzares: From Presidential Offspring to Policy Trailblazer

As the son of former Senator Grace Poe and grandson of cinematic and political legend Fernando Poe Jr., Brian Poe-Llamanzares carries a legacy so iconic it's etched into national memory. But rather than be tethered by expectation, Brian has leaned into his own credentials—an Ivy League education, stints in climate advocacy and disaster response, and a record of transparency and youth empowerment. Representing the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list, his legislative priorities include strengthening community resilience and expanding access to sustainable energy. Far from just being “Grace Poe’s son,” he is rapidly building his own reputation as a technocrat with heart.

Ryan Santos Recto: The Silent Strategist of Batangas

The Recto name is synonymous with intellect and statesmanship, and Rep. Ryan Santos Recto is no exception. Son of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and veteran actress-turned-governor Vilma Santos-Recto, Ryan entered politics with a quiet demeanor and sharp acumen. Representing the 6th District of Batangas, he has focused on strengthening local economic zones, improving healthcare infrastructure, and institutionalizing youth development councils. While others speak with flair, Recto’s work ethic and policy focus are winning quiet but loyal respect. A strategist in the making, he is one to watch as committee dynamics evolve.

Leandro Legarda Leviste: The Green Visionary of the House

Few lawmakers enter politics with as clear a purpose as Leandro Leviste. Son of environmental stalwart Sen. Loren Legarda and former Batangas Gov. Antonio Leviste, Leandro has been championing renewable energy long before he entered public office. As a young entrepreneur in the solar industry, his passion has always been sustainability. Now, as Batangas 1st District Representative, he is leading efforts in the House to bolster green infrastructure, climate change resilience, and environmental education. His mother’s shadow looms large, but Leandro’s legislative ambition is deeply his own—rooted in science, driven by urgency, and grounded in innovation.

A Generation in Transition

Together, these five lawmakers symbolize the hopes—and potential pitfalls—of political dynasties reimagined for a modern republic. Critics may be quick to dismiss them as beneficiaries of name recall, but that’s a dangerous underestimation. These “House Hotshots” are already crafting legislation, leading dialogues, and challenging norms. Some are pushing digital policies; others are revitalizing local industries or fortifying climate action. They represent a breed that sees politics not as entitlement but as a calling to do more, do better, and do it differently.

Whether this group becomes a genuine reform bloc or another chapter in dynastic tradition remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: a generational shift is underway in the House of Representatives—and it’s dressed in the confident smiles, bold visions, and deeply rooted histories of these rising young leaders.

They are no longer just sons. They are lawmakers—and they’re just getting started.

Art Explodes into Life at SM Supermalls with "Art for Everyone": A Grand Celebration of Filipino Creativity

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

This July, the halls of 18 SM Supermalls across the country will no longer just echo with the sounds of footsteps and shopping bags—they will pulse with the vibrant rhythm of brushstrokes, sculpted dreams, digital visions, and photographic moments frozen in time. SM Supermalls has once again thrown open its doors to Filipino artistry, unleashing Art for Everyone—a powerful, month-long tribute to the soul of a nation brimming with creativity, resilience, and boundless imagination.

From Gold to Glory: A Movement Reborn

Following the overwhelming success of the 2024 SM Art Market, which garnered the Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation in the Use of Events, SM Supermalls proves that this was never a one-time feat—it was the start of a cultural movement. That acclaimed initiative featured over 1,200 Filipino artists and more than 4,000 stunning artworks, a dazzling showcase of local talent that turned shopping malls into art sanctuaries.

Now, with Art for Everyone, SM is turning up the volume—not just spotlighting art, but embedding it into everyday life. Participating malls are being transformed into living, breathing art spaces where creativity isn't just admired—it’s celebrated, experienced, and lived.

“This isn’t just a display—it’s a declaration,” says one returning artist. “We’re not just hanging paintings; we’re reclaiming space for the Filipino spirit.”

Malls as Museums: Art in Every Corner

From the cool highlands of Baguio to the urban pulse of North EDSA, and from the coasts of Cebu to the heart of Iloilo, SM’s malls are becoming open galleries—accessible, inclusive, and transformative.

Guests can walk into any participating mall and be transported into a kaleidoscope of mediums: expressive paintings, emotive photographs, compelling sculptures, thought-provoking digital art, and everything in between. It's a sprawling, nationwide art odyssey that welcomes everyone—from curious mall-goers and aspiring artists to seasoned collectors and cultural advocates.

And yes, there’s art for all ages—with interactive activities, live demos, and artist meet-and-greets that make this not just an exhibition, but a fully immersive artistic encounter.

Spotlight on Community, Culture, and Commerce

This initiative isn't just about aesthetics—it's about empowerment. For local artists, especially those still emerging, Art for Everyone is a lifeline and a launchpad. It bridges art and audience, providing exposure, appreciation, and—crucially—income.

“Last year, I sold my first painting at SM,” shared a young artist from Angono, Rizal. “It wasn’t just money—it was validation. Now, I’m back, bolder and more inspired.”

It’s this kind of impact that positions SM Supermalls not only as a retail giant but as a true patron of Filipino culture. In a country where art often takes a backseat to economics, this corporate-driven initiative provides a rare and powerful fusion of business and cultural advocacy.

Where and When to Experience the Magic

The beauty of Art for Everyone is that it’s everywhere. Check the schedule below and mark your calendars:

SM City Clark & SM J Mall – July 1 to 14

SM Lanang – July 7 to 16

SM City Baguio – July 13 to 26

SM Seaside City Cebu – July 14 to 31

SM City Sorsogon, Iloilo, Bacolod – July 15 to 31

SM Center Dagupan – July 16 to 30

SM City Baliwag – July 18 to 31

SM City Dasmariñas & CDO Downtown – July 20 to 30

SM City Santa Rosa, Center Angono – July 21 to 31

The Podium – July 22 to 27

SM City North EDSA – July 25 to 31

SM Aura – Special extended run from August 15 to 24

Each venue brings its own flavor, featuring both regional artists and national talents, so expect diversity in form, theme, and storytelling.

A Call to Feel, Discover, and Be Inspired

In a world often dulled by algorithmic distractions and mass-produced content, Art for Everyone invites you to feel again—to pause, to reflect, and to connect with the raw, authentic voices of Filipino artists.

Whether you find yourself staring into the eyes of a painted portrait, captivated by the flow of abstract lines, or marveling at the detail in a hand-carved sculpture, remember: this is more than art—it’s the heartbeat of our nation.

So bring your family. Invite your friends. Explore with open eyes and leave with a full heart. Because when art takes over our everyday spaces, it doesn’t just decorate—it transforms.

For more information, artist spotlights, and real-time updates, visit smsupermalls.com or follow your favorite SM mall on social media.

Let your journey into Filipino art begin. Art for Everyone is here—and it’s a masterpiece in the making.

Ugnayan ng SWK at KWF, Pinalakas at Pinaigting!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Pinalakas at pinaigting ang ugnayan ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK) at Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) sa isang Gawaing Kapulungan at Oryentasyon ng mga SWK Direktor sa Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) sa San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur. 

Nagkaroon ng pangkalahatang oryentasyon ang mga direktor ng SWK hinggil sa KWF kabilang ngunit hindi limitado sa mga programa at proyekto nito.

Naniniwala si Tagapangulong Arthur P. Casanova na ang mga direktor ng SWK ay may mahalagang papel upang maabot ng KWF ang iba’t ibang panig ng bansa at magiging katuwang ang mga SWK sa pagsasakatuparan ng mandato ng KWF. 

Binanggit din ni Tagapangulong Casanova na makaaasa ang mga SWK na patuloy na susuporta ang KWF sa mga gawaing pangwika at pangkultura na kanilang isasagawa kabilang ang tertulyang pampanitikan at pangwika.

Nagbigay ng panayam si John Lerry Dungca, Senior Language Researcher ng Sangay ng Salin hinggil sa Masinop na Pagsulat at tinalakay naman ni Dr. Jose Evie G. Duclay, Linguistics Specialist ng Sangay ng Impormasyon at Publikasyon ang Pagsulat ng Korepondensiya Opisyal.

Dinaluhan ang Kapulungan at seminar na ito ng tatlumpu't isang (31) SWK direktor na nakabase sa mga publiko at ilang pribadong pamantasan mula sa iba't ibang panig ng Pilipinas na pinangasiwaan nina Dr. Leopoldo R. Transona Jr. ng CBSUA at Minda Blanca L. Limbo ng KWF.

Dumalo rin ang iba’t ibang Pamantasan kabilang ang Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), La Consolacion College Bacolod (LCCB), Bukidnon State University (BukSU), Cebu Normal University (CNU), Carlos Hidalgo Memorial State University (CHMSU), Biliran Province State University (BipSU), Marinduque State University (MarSU), Kalinga State University (KSU), Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), Davao Oriental State University (DorSU), University of Southern Mindanao (USM), University of the Assumption (UA), Sulu State College (SSC), Bulacan State University (BulSU), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC), Cebu Technological University (CTU), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), University of San Carlos (USC), Aklan State University (ASU), Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Bicol University (BU), Batangas State University (BatSU), Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), Pangasinan State University (PSU), University of Antique (UA), Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), at Sorsogon State University (SorSU).

From Trash to Treasure: The Battle for Manila Bay's Future

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the shadow of Manila's skyline, an army of environmental warriors wages a weekly war against an invasion that threatens our oceans

The sun has barely crested the horizon as they arrive—hundreds of dedicated soldiers in a battle most people never see. Armed with nothing but gloves, trash bags, and unwavering determination, they form a human chain along the shoreline where concrete meets sea. Their mission: to reclaim Manila Bay from the clutches of human carelessness, one piece of debris at a time.

The Silent Crisis at Our Shores

Manila Bay—once celebrated for its spectacular sunsets—has long suffered under the weight of urbanization and consumerism. But beneath the surface of this environmental tragedy, a powerful movement is rising.

"We don't just see trash when we come here," says Maria Santos, an SM employee who has participated in all four of April's weekly cleanups. "We see lost potential, threatened marine life, and a future that deserves better than what we've given it."

Throughout April 2025, an impressive force of 272 volunteers from SM By the Bay converged on these troubled waters week after week. Their collective impact? A staggering 1,147 kilograms of trash removed from the ecosystem—enough to fill a small apartment.

More Than Just Numbers: The Human Element

The statistics tell only part of the story. Behind each kilogram of collected waste lies a personal commitment to change.

For Jaime Cruz, a customer relations officer at SM Supermalls, the weekly ritual has transformed his relationship with consumption entirely. "After you've pulled your hundredth plastic straw from the sand, you never look at single-use items the same way again," he confesses, wiping sweat from his brow. "These cleanups don't just change the shoreline—they change us."

The diverse coalition of participants speaks volumes about the initiative's broad appeal. Executives work shoulder-to-shoulder with janitorial staff. Veteran environmentalists guide first-time volunteers. Together, they form an unlikely but effective environmental task force that transcends traditional workplace hierarchies.

The Ripple Effect: Beyond Cleaner Shores

What happens at Manila Bay doesn't stay at Manila Bay. The ripples of this initiative extend far beyond cleaner shores.

Environmental psychologists have long documented the "behavioral contagion" that follows participation in restoration activities. In simple terms: those who clean up beaches today become ambassadors for waste reduction tomorrow. They influence family members, coworkers, and communities with their new perspective.

"I've started bringing my own containers everywhere," explains volunteer Rosanna Mendoza. "My children now correct their teachers about proper waste disposal. This is how real change happens—it spreads from person to person until it becomes the new normal."

A Synchronized National Effort

While the Manila Bay efforts captured headlines, similar scenes played out across the Philippine archipelago. The SM Cares initiative spans fourteen malls nationwide, creating synchronized impact in coastal communities from Dagupan to Davao.

Each location faces unique challenges. In Iloilo, volunteers battle agricultural runoff. In Davao, they confront industrial waste. Yet the collective message remains consistent: our oceans connect us all, and their protection requires coordinated action.

Answering a Global Call

The weekly cleanups align perfectly with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water. As plastic production continues to accelerate globally—with an estimated 11 million metric tons entering oceans annually—initiatives like SM's represent critical local responses to an overwhelming global challenge.

Marine biologist Dr. Elena Reyes, who provides educational briefings to volunteers, emphasizes the scientific significance of these efforts: "Every piece of plastic removed represents potential salvation for marine creatures. A single plastic bag can kill multiple sea turtles over its lifecycle in the water. These volunteers aren't just cleaning—they're saving lives."

The Road Ahead: From Cleanup to Prevention

While the April achievements deserve celebration, SM Cares recognizes that cleanup efforts alone cannot solve the marine debris crisis. The true solution lies upstream—in reducing waste production and improving management systems before trash reaches waterways.

To this end, the company has integrated its coastal restoration work with broader sustainability initiatives, including plastic reduction policies across its mall operations and consumer education campaigns.

"We're fighting this battle from both ends," explains an SM Cares spokesperson. "We clean up what's already there while working to ensure less waste enters the system in the first place. This comprehensive approach is the only way forward."

Join the Movement

The story continues on June 7, 2025, when SM Cares will host special World Oceans Day cleanups across all participating locations. The public invitation stands open to anyone willing to transform concern into action.

Participating malls include SM By the Bay, SM City Manila, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Rosario, SM City Batangas, SM City Lipa, SM City Bacolod, SM City Iloilo, SM City Davao, SM City CDO Downtown, SM City Tanza, SM City Lucena, and SM Center Dagupan.

As volunteer coordinator Antonio Reyes puts it: "We don't need a few people doing zero waste perfectly—we need millions doing it imperfectly. Your first step might be joining us for just one morning. But that morning could change everything."

For Manila Bay and coastlines everywhere, the future hangs in the balance—one volunteer, one cleanup, one kilogram of trash at a time.

For more information on how to participate in the World Oceans Day cleanup on June 7, 2025, visit your nearest participating SM Mall or check SM Cares social media channels.